[202] John xv, 4.
[203] Matthew xxiv, 13.
[204] Hebrews x, 38.
[205] Deuteronomy xxxii, 29.
[206] Proverbs xvii, 16.
[207] Colossians i, 12.
§ 13. That this rest shall be enjoyed by the people of God, is a truth which the Scripture, if its testimony be further needed, clearly asserts in a variety of ways. As for instance, That they are foreordained to it, and it for them. God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city.[208] They are styled vessels of mercy, afore prepared unto glory.[209] In Christ they have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.[210] And whom he did predestinate, them he also glorified.[211] Who can bereave his people of that rest which is designed for them by God's eternal purpose?—Scripture tells us, they are redeemed to this rest. By the blood of Jesus we have boldness to enter into the holiest;[212] whether that entrance means by faith and prayer here, or by full possession hereafter. Therefore the saints in heaven sing a new song unto him who has redeemed them to God by his blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and made them kings and priests unto God.[213] Either Christ then must lose his blood and sufferings, and never see of the travail of his soul, or else there remaineth a rest to the people of God.—In Scripture this rest is promised to them. As the firmament with stars, so are the sacred pages bespangled with these Divine engagements. Christ says, fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.[214] I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom,[215] &c. &c. &c.—All the means of grace, the operations of the Spirit upon the soul, and gracious actings of the saints, every command to repent and believe, to fast and pray, to knock and seek, to strive and labor, to run and fight, prove that there remains a rest for the people of God. The Spirit would never kindle in us such strong desires after heaven, such love to Jesus Christ, if we should not receive what we desire and love. He that guides our feet into the way of peace,[216] will undoubtedly bring us to the end of peace. How nearly is the means and end conjoined? The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.[217] They that follow Christ in the regeneration, shall sit upon thrones of glory.[218]—Scripture assures us, that the saints have the beginnings, foretastes, earnests, and seals of this rest here. The kingdom of God is within them.[219] Though they have not seen Christ, yet loving him, and believing in him, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls.[220] They rejoice in hope of the glory of God.[221] And does God seal them with that holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of their inheritance, and will he deny the full possession?[222]—The Scripture also mentions, by name, those who have entered into this rest. As Enoch, Abraham, Lazarus, the thief that was crucified with Christ, &c. And if there be a rest for these, sure there is a rest for all believers. But it is vain to heap up Scripture proofs, seeing it is the very end of Scripture to be a guide to lead us to this blessed state, and to be the charter and grant by which we hold all our title to it.
[208] Hebrews xi, 16.
[209] Romans, ix, 23.
[210] Ephesians i, 11.